Warwick riches await
Nolan on the path to Millions
RACING: Michael Nolan is hoping for a successful trip down the New England Hwy when he unleashes his “general” at Allman Park in Warwick.
The Toowoomba trainer will saddle up I Am The General in the Freestone Feedlot Magic Millions Country Cup Qualifier (1200m) today.
While already assured of a start in the $250,000 Magic Millions Country Cup (1200m) at the Gold Coast on January 12, Nolan is looking for the horse to build momentum heading into the feature race.
The seven-year-old heads into Warwick second-up after not having much luck when fourth at the Gold Coast upon resuming, and Nolan said he expected him to finish closer.
“His first up run was very good, not a lot went right that day,” Nolan said.
“He began well but after a few hundred metres he copped a check and Jed (Hodge) had to go back.
“It was a quick sprint home and they ran a quick time. Today he will have half a kilo less and Baylee (Nothdurft) riding him, who is one of the better riders in the area.”
Nolan said the run at Allman Park would be a good lead-in as the team looks to peak on Magic Millions day.
“We’re hoping we get a win today and want to get back to winning a race in Brisbane,” he said.
“Even though he’s an older horse he hasn’t had any issues.
“If we could win at Warwick and then be competitive at the Gold Coast it would be a dream come true for the syndicate.”
Last year’s winner Limerick Moon will look to make it back-to-back wins for trainer Gary Duncan after the gelding scored by half a length in 2017.
The Toowoomba brigade play a strong hand in the hotly contested Carey Brothers Meats/Hynes Newsagency Class 2 Handicap (800m).
Tony Sears’ galloper Alloraine is looking to back up a dominant first-up win at Ipswich with another front-running display.
Nozi Tomizawa was able to get to the front with ease over the 800m trip, before the filly bolted away to win by four and a half lengths.
Jackie Crompton is also in with a live chance as Avasa returns after a month let-up from her last start victory at Dalby.
■ Barefoot heads a strong team of Toowoomba gallopers heading to the Sunshine Coast for its Boxing Day meet.
The Tony Sears-trained three-year-old has been in super form this preparation, running second behind Plumaro in Saturday grade, before scoring a surging win at Ipswich last time out.
Viseron (Ben Currie) and Rosendahl Red (Matt Kropp) also bring strong credentials.